Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM MARCH 2018 28 STRENGTHENING FAMILY CONNECTIONS The new Family Hub keeps the family more closely connected and organized, with the customized ability to share calendars, photos and notes. With Bixby, Family Hub can also recognize individual voices and provide personalized information based on preferences. Ask "Hi Bixby, what's new today?" and it will provide a read out of the news, weather and calendar updates specifically tailored to the user. CREATING NEW WAYS TO HAVE FUN AT HOME With innovative TV and music options, the original Family Hub transformed the kitchen into an area for socializing with family and friends. Users can access millions of songs through various music streaming platforms and live radio apps, and mirror their Samsung Smart TV. The new Family Hub also features AKG Premium Quality Sound Speaker for sound that is deep in bass and rich in mid-range. Additionally, users can now stream content from their smartphone to the Family Hub refrigerator. EXPANDED RANGE OF CONTENT Samsung is expanding the Family Hub's range of content with new collaborations with leading companies like HomeAdvisor, Pinterest, The Weather Company and Buzzfeed's Tasty. Samsung also continues to collaborate with key partners including allrecipes, ring, and Grubhub to further refine and enhance the kitchen experience and promote smart lifestyle choices. Samsung will expand the platform to four new 4D FDR models, bringing the total to 14. This will ensure that there is a Family Hub configuration to meet the needs of all consumers. The new Family Hub will be available this spring. For more information about Samsung Home Appliances, please visit www.samsung.com. SMEG LAUNCHES COLORFUL PORTOFINO RANGES AND HOODS STATESIDE Renowned Italian-based company, SMEG, introduces Portofino collection to U.S. market SMEG, the Italian appliance manufacturer famed for its classic style and advanced technology, is introducing the Portofino ranges and hoods to the U.S. market this month. The Portofino collection, previously launched in Europe, will join the brand's line of sleek, large appliances. The Portofino 36" dual-fuel ranges and hoods, which are designed in Italy and inspired by the rich tones of the Mediterranean, are available in seven different colors (red, yellow, white, orange, black, olive green and stainless steel). The range comes equipped with five range-top cooking zones, 10 oven cooking functions, triple fan convection, an ultra-rapid dual burner (18,000BTU), a three-layered glass door with silent closure, and more. Matching products include the Portofino hood, and when paired with the range, is an ode to Italian influence. The ranges retail for $3,999 and the hoods retail for $1,499. "We're thrilled to introduce our brand new Portofino ranges and hoods to the U.S. market, which just received the Good Design Award at the Chicago Athenaeum," says Vittorio Bertazzoni, CEO of SMEG. "Inspired by the hues of the famous Ligurian village, the Portofino collection is not only functional, but also has a bold, bright, and high- end look of our other SMEG appliances." SMEG's complete line of large and small appliances are currently available for sale in the United States. Please visit the SMEG USA website at www.smegusa.com for more information and a list of retailers. I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ]

• Cover